UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons German Sword & Miniatures Forum PDL Navy

Interesting dated 1834 sword here with numerous Naval markings on the fittings, scabbard toe, throat, and matching unit markings on the sword and scabbard. The 23.A.R. is a Wurttemberg artillery unit that was with the 16 JD during WWI. So some how this Naval marked sword ended up with the Infantry. Also of note it�s very hard to find an old combat sword like this with the leather scabbard still intact. The Solingen firm of P.D.L. (P.D.Lunescchloss) was one of the oldest and most respected German manufactures of swords. The massive 25 inch blade is straight and measures around 1.5 inches in width.

Dow, At the moment I'm not sure just what to make of this cutlass (or short sword) myself. Because that is what it sort of looks like to me in the images. With a small back fuller in the blade which tends to be early, but then the blade itself (from the limited view) could be machine made. And stamps of one kind or another almost everywhere you look. And P.D.L�neschloss was no stranger to foreign contracts. I'm going to have to think about this one for a bit. Best Regards, Fred

Fred,
Initially I had the same thoughts as yours but what narrowed it down for me were the unit marks which are definitely German

Dow, My immediate recollection at the start of the thread was that "13" is a number most often associated with W�rttemberg. With "23" more likely a Prussian (2. Rheinisches Feld-Artillerie Nr. 23) designation. But I had to find my markings handbook first because deciphering them can be tricky. With 1872 when the "23" was assigned, the "A.R." could be a recruiting depot (the letters are case sensitive), and the markings are an ongoing study - so the "maybe" factor comes into play. 2nd battery, weapon # 1 (?). With anchors?? This is not really making sense at this point - so if possible I would like some more pictures - because "in hand" I would be looking at everything for some more clues. Best Regards, Fred

Here is another picture of a crown on the quillion I have a Saxon unit marked short sword with a crown similar to this one.